Because You're Mine (The Gallaghers #3) - Layla Hagen Page 0,9

come between them just because Ian was hot as hell.

“Now that I’ve confessed, I don’t feel guilty anymore.” He wiggled his eyebrows again. “How about we start with a clean slate?”

“Let’s drink to that.” I clinked my cup of coffee to his. Our fingers brushed, sending a jolt of heat through me. Holy shit! Was I on edge just from a brief touch?

This was a bad omen for our clean slate if there ever was one.

Chapter Three

Ellie

There was a cardinal rule in the kitchen: Always follow the chain of command. The chef was the most important person in the restaurant. On Point was on the Upper East Side, on the fourth floor, looking straight at some of the grand buildings from the Gilded Age. I planned to enjoy the view as often as possible outside of my shift. The kitchen had no windows, but even if it had, the pace we kept left no time for admiring the view.

My job was pantry chef. I made cold dishes like salads and starters. I’d been a pastry chef in my last job, which honestly was easier because there wasn’t a ton of room for experimenting when it came to making pastries. The recipes had to be followed to the letter every single time. But starters were more creative. I already liked my new job.

I started my day at ten and finished at six, then the shift changed. The other pantry chef worked from six until two o'clock in the morning. I loved the general madness of the kitchen: voices shouting orders, knives on chopping boards, the sound of oven doors opening and closing, and so on. For me, it was like a piece of exciting background music.

It was invigorating, but as much as I loved my job, I couldn't deny that being on my feet all day was exhausting. I was even wearing ugly compression socks because they helped keep my feet from becoming too sore. At lunch, I practically inhaled a sandwich so I could get back to work. It wasn’t until the afternoon that I had my first real break.

I went to the staff break room, a plain, small room at the back of the kitchen with a few chairs. I put my feet up, glancing at my phone. My stomach somersaulted when I noticed the text from Ian.

Ian: How was your first day of work?

He was checking in on me. That was so thoughtful.

I replied instantly.

Ellie: Tiring, but super exciting.

Ian: What are you doing after?

Ellie: I’m going to crash and watch Netflix.

Ian: Do you want to grab dinner together?

I bit my lip, considering this. I tapped my fingers on the phone, wondering what to reply. I was ridiculous. Ian was an attractive man, of course, but it wasn't like I didn't see handsome men regularly. I wanted to be friends with him and his sisters, not push him away just because he was hot. That was unfair to him. But I wasn’t going to be fun at all tonight feeling as tired as I was right now.

Ellie: I think I’ll be too exhausted. Let’s meet later this week once I’ve had time to adjust a bit.

Ian: Okay. If you need anything, let me know.

I grinned, feeling giddy after I finished my break.

As I’d predicted, I was bone-tired when I arrived at the apartment in the evening.

“You’ve got a few packages,” Harper informed me. “I already took them to your room.”

“Thanks. You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it,” I said excitedly. I’d ordered a curtain rod, a drill, and curtains from Amazon on Saturday evening, and they’d already delivered it all. Yes! I could start decorating my room.

I felt full of energy as I unpacked the rod and the drill. Since I moved around a lot, I was used to assembling all sorts of furniture, though I’d only put up shelves before, not curtain rods. How difficult could it be?

Half an hour later, my room looked like a battlefield.

I’d bought the wrong type of drill. It was too strong for brick walls and made a giant hole. The window area was full of dust and debris, and I’d made a big mess.

Harper laughed, looking around at the shambles. “I searched for a handyman once on Craigslist, but they’re pricey.”

“You don’t know anyone, then?” I asked, hoping she’d found someone to do whatever it was she was looking to accomplish.

“Nope.”

Damn. I was in trouble and owed Harper for the damage if I didn’t get this fixed.

I sighed, putting